Wicca is a nature based religion which has many different sects. There are an estimated half a million Wiccans practicing in the United States alone. Some Wiccans classify themselves as solitary practitioners, while others worship with other like-minded Wiccans. Wiccan worship groups are often referred to as covens.

Fundamental Wiccan Beliefs: The Deity System

Traditional Wiccans believe in a dual deity system, the God and the Goddess. Wiccans celebrate the masculine and feminine qualities these two deities exhibit and strive to balance these energies in their everyday lives.

Some Wiccans dedicate themselves solely to one pantheon of Gods and Goddesses. A dedication to the Norse or Greek deity system would be an example of this practice. Others choose to worship only one aspect of the Goddess, such as Isis.

Fundamental Wiccan Beliefs: Wiccan Celebrations

Wiccans celebrate eight Sabats, with four of these Sabats coinciding with the seasonal equinoxes. The Wiccan Sabats are: Beltane, Imbolc, Lammas, Litha, Mabon, Ostara, Samhain, and Yule. Sabats are equivalent to holiday celebrations.

Wiccans often celebrate monthly Esbats as well. An Esbat takes place when the moon is full. This is an opportune time to participate in mystical activities.

Fundamental Wiccan Belief: The Three-fold Law

The Wiccan three-fold law states that whatever someone does will come back to them three-fold. Therefore, if a Wiccan puts positive energy into the world, they will receive positive things in return and vice versa.

Fundamental Wiccan Belief: The Wiccan Rede

The Wiccan Rede states that a Wiccan can do what they will, as long as they don’t harm anyone in the process. The Wiccan Rede goes hand in hand with the three-fold law.

Fundamental Wiccan Belief: Nature is Sacred

Wiccans believe that the Goddess and God are present in nature, therefore, nature is sacred. Many Wiccans are also eco-activists and are concerned with the state and future of the planet. Many Wiccans choose to become vegetarians to fully embrace their faith.

Fundamental Wiccan Belief: Free Will

Wiccans embrace the idea of free will. As such, they honor other people’s individual journey on the path of life and try not to judge their actions.

As a result of this, most Wiccans do not practice black or gray areas of magic. Interfering in another person’s will is highly looked down upon and raises questions about the Wiccan Rede and three-fold law.

Fundamental Wiccan Belief: Magick is Real

Many Wiccans consider magick to be a tangible source of controlling and manipulating energy for the greatest good. Wiccans often have magickal altars where they create spells and manifest energy. Spells are often worked in conjunction with herbs, incense, and intention.

Wiccans also keep a set of tools that are used for ritual purposes. Wiccan magickal tools represent the God and Goddess as well as the energetic properties of the five elements.

Wiccans have been subject to persecution by ignorant people that have been misinformed about Wiccan beliefs. Wicca is a peaceful, non-violent religion that is concerned with personal growth and positive contribution to the planet and humankind.